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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

I'll Get You, My Pretty

I got to try out one of these bad boys while I was in Arizona - my mom has a Bernina dealer within walking distance of her house! (The cruel irony is that she isn't interested in Berninas at all; she's a Pfaff girl.) I absolutely loved using this machine.

I've been contemplating an upgrade for a while now. I've sewn on a Brother PC-420 for almost two years, and I haven't been completely happy with it. It has all sorts of bells and whistles, but the stitch quality is quite poor. The length is almost always inconsistent, especially when basting. So Berninas were at the top of my list to consider since they're known for their stitch quality.

My test drive definitely didn't disappoint! The stitches were lovely. Here's a scan of the little sample I made. It's variegated thread, hence all the different tones. You can click to see it bigger!

Aside from the quality of the stitches, what I really liked was how intuitive it felt to use. I could see myself adapting quickly to this machine.

The drawback is, of course, the price. I was quoted $1999 at my local dealer here in New York. I've been budgeting, and with some penny pinching, I plan to be the proud owner of a Bernina Aurora 430 by the end of March. With the amount of sewing I do, I feel it's time to invest in a high-quality machine. (Funny quote from my mother: "I would have told you not to buy a Brother! Not that anyone asked me . . .")

But . . . this means a strict moratorium on shoe and fabric purchases, readers! I will be avoiding sites like Zappos and Re-Mix like the plague. (Ack! I just went to Re-Mix to get the URL, and there are cute new shoes! Gold ones! Help!) The two loopholes I've allowed myself for the fabric rule are 1) I'm allowed to buy linings for projects already planned, and 2) I can purchase fabric needed for upcoming VoNBBS projects.

Wish me luck! Also, any advice? Have you ever planned for a big machine purchase like this one?

43 comments:

Oh, yes, it's a wonderful machine! She's mine since Christmas - I must have been more than good! - and I love her. I tried out a couple of others and she beat them all. I had been a Pfaff girl - well, well, things change.BTW, I love your blog. Wish I could sew so well / so often.Greetings from the other side of the Atlantic,c.

most of my large purchases have been in the couple hundred range. If you can have a envelope to save cash in - I find it easier to save cash rather then have a line item in the budget. Every time you can change small bills into larger ones (large bills being harder to break therefore spend). If you don't already start a change jar that you through you loose change in every day - Over the course of a year I have saved 300 that way (assuming I don't rob the quarters for the laundromat)

A big HOOOOORAAAY for new sewing machines, and an even bigger one for Bernina machines! I had to swallow reallly hard making such a big investment but I haven't regretted in for a second. Big congratulations, and keep up your amazing work!

I LOVE Berninas. I'm on my second one. I bought my first as a barely used 1100. The dealers all have trade-in/trade-up programs, so you can score some great deals there. Funny thing was that when it came time for me to upgrade, I couldn't let go of the first one. Now it's my back up and even though it is 20 years old, it is still fantastic!

I purchased my first Bernina several years ago, and still LOVE it. I bought it during the annual Bernina worldwide sale - watch for that, in case they still do it! Negotiate if possible - the prices are not fixed. Also, good to know, is that the dealer tried to charge me additional for the two free choice feet that come with the machine - don't fall for that. When in doubt, call Bernina directly.

I distrusted the dealer, so I never had a single service done, and it's still perking along perfectly after all these years. It's a basic machine, a 130, yet it does everything I need - quilting, clothing, home dec. Sews through layers of denim like a charm.

I'm with Elle about keeping your first Bernina as backup. I'd hate giving your machine up even for a servicing. Go for it!

We actually just finished paying off our newest addition, an Elna 7300 Quilting Queen, which is the medium end of computer machines. It's the first new machine we've ever owned and it is fantastic. We haven't gotten to play with it too much, except for some basic stitches for a debutante gown. The goal was to pay it off as quickly as possible and we did it in under nine months.

I keep seeing emails from dealers with sale price $1,899. Do you have other dealers in the area? Get on their mailing list :)The Bernina feet make it possible for me to sew things I would never have dared before, for example perfect rolled hems. I love my Bernina!

When I bought my Viking Designer Diamond I announced to my family, "I hope you all like Mac & Cheese because you're going to be eating it for a while!"

I really, really, really love my Diamond. But, I also have a Viking Sapphire for quilting and I don't love it. I don't hate it, but I also don't love it. It had some issues when I first bought it and my local repair person couldn't seem to fix it. So, I brought it to an older man near my mom's house who is an authorized repairman and he was great. The machine runs perfectly now, but because of the early problems I never bonded with the machine (weird how bonding is so important!!). I've been regularly checking out Craigslist for any Berninas that might show up, but they rarely do. In time I'll get a Bernina, but I have to finish paying off my Diamond first!!

I love my vintage Singers, but I also love my Bernina. I bought mine in 2003. I looked at so often, because a new very expensive (to me) sewing machine wasn't in my budget. My local dealer worked with me and offered up the floor model at a very good discount. You could ask your dealer, when the new models come out and offer to buy their floor model. I have never had any problems with it. Good luck!

Put the savings somewhere where you can't touch it! Or at least won't think about it! And, keep a picture of the machine you're saving for above where you sew. It will help keep you motivated. Usually if I want something bad enough and really actively save my husband will end up chipping in the last little (or big) bit I need to get it. He's great like that:o)

I LOVE my bernina Artista 730, so I hear you on the Bernina love... if you have a good dealer, you might be able to buy a slightly used one, it's a bernina, so it doesn't matter if it's used, as long as your dealer has refurbished it... also, make sure you haggle. dealers have a LOT of wiggle room on the prices... you probably have to spend close to the sticker price, but you can get lots of extras thrown in... like a table, or software, or threads...

I adore my Bernina and yep, we planned for the purchase! Mine is a bit older and only holds about 25 stitches, but it's a dream to work with. (I would never buy a Brother! ;) )

I started off with a Bernette my mom gave me for Christmas one year, but it wasn't a great machine and after a few years I was quite frustrated with its constant tension problems. I wanted a Bernina, by golly.

I had to go out of town to get one and put up with an annoying dealer, but I got a little trade-in money and a discount for paying cash, and I got a little Koala table too, and the whole thing came to $2000. It's been worth every cent.

I would never buy a new machine, I would never buy a plastic one really...but I do have a Bernina 730 Record, its from the late 60s and sews like a dream. I found her for $10 at the thrift and haven't needed to do a thing besides oil and buy a bobbin case. Bernina's are very well made.

I've been saving for 6 months to buy a Macbook, the next big purchase will be a new sewing machine. I'm an Husqvarna girl, but my mom uses a Bernina, which fascinates me...Your future machine looks great!!!

I've been a vintage Bernina owner (and user of course!) for some years now, and I'm always happy to come "home" to him after using school machines. I don't think I've ever encountered a Bernina, old or new, that wasn't just wonderful to use. I'm proud to be a Bernina girl!

As for the saving - perhaps make yourself something visual - a poster or something - that shows how much you've saved and how much you have left. Perhaps that will be an encouragement in your daily life to remember your Bernina goal!

I just got a bernina for christmas. Not the aurora but an activa. I've used Berninas before and loved them but I had a crappy no-name machine at home. I'm SO happy with the new one. I hope you can get yours soon. I'm sure you'll love it.

Gertie, that looks like a great machine. I have been hoping to purchase one myself. i have been using a Kenmore now for 25 years. Very basic but it does the job. Good luck in saving the cash. You can do it!!!!

You'll LOVE a Bernina. I'm a Bernina girl, way back. And, invest in the feet when you can. They are expensive, but honestly, every attachment works beautifully for it's chosen technique. I have almost all of them.

It's good to see you so excited about the Bernina! But just remember - you are comparing my 12 year old Pfaff to a new Bernina. So give the new Pfaff a fair chance and you might be able to negotiate between the two dealers.

Hi Gertie,I'd wanted a bernina for years and finally got my first and second a couple of years ago and got my third last year. The first two were a 200/730 from a customer of my dealer's estate. She also had a 2000D serger that went with the deal. I spent $6000 but got lots of embroidery thread and stabilizer for doing embroidery. The third I got was a 910 off ebay. I paid $365 including shipping for that one. It sews as great as the 200, but isn't computerized and doesn't do embroidery. Only one comment if you decide you want to get the embroidery module for your machine (yes it will take one) is that you have to have a program which comes with the embr module called ec on pc. You have to have this computer on at all times that you are embroidering as the stitches are sent directly from the computer to the emb module. If you go up a step to the 630, the machine will have a usb port that you can put a memory stick in with the pattern on it. anything above that has this feature including the (gasp) $12,000 830. Sure would love to have that one, but it's out of my range. LOLAnyway, if you're going to use it for sewing only, you will absolutely love the machine I set up my 200 to embroidery and I can use the 910 for other sewing while the emb is stitching out. Of course, the 200 has the 9mm stitches which some people don't like for doing quilting, but I know people on yahoo groups that use the 9mm machines to piece and have absolutely no problems.Anyway, starting to ramble now, can you tell I love my bernina'sHave fun with it,Allen DuhonDeridder, Louisiana

Ever thought about an industrial machine? You could probably get one cheaper than a Bernina. And are you really going to use all that razzmatazz? All you really need is a straight and zigzag stitch.

Berninas are great machines though, I used one in one of my sewing courses, and the stitches are really consistent (I think it was the 1008). Why the computerized one though? I've never used a computerized machine, and I'm suspicious of them.

I'm on my second Bernina and just love her, love her, love her. I sew on my 640E daily and happily try new techniques because I know that I will not be frustrated or disappointed with the results. I bought my Bernina on a 12 months same as cash deal. Check to see if your dealer will do that for you.

HI Gertie, I love your blog! You deserve the machine you want. My goodness, you sew more than anyone I know. You will figure out a way to get one. It took only a couple months from playing on a new 830 before I had one sitting in my sewing room. Funny how things always work out.

After learning on a lower end Brother (boy did that machine get some use!), I finally ponied up and bought a Bernina. I have the 430 AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. The stitch quality is unbelievable, and all the crazy tension problems I had with a lower end machine are a thing of the past. You will wonder how you got along without it! Good luck and I agree with the other posts about checking sales,etc. I got mine for about 1800 on sale from a wonderful local dealer.

GREAT choice! I think someone mentioned it, but this one was on sale for $1899 for December. However, it is worth the investment. Also, to mention, most all Bernina dealers will offer financing and there is typically a promo for no interest/ equal payments for 12 months. That is how I was able to get mine. I work at the Bernina store in Kansas City and guest blog for Colette patterns, you can email me if you have any questions. I think you have chose well and will love this machine- a GREAT buy for the money. Did they show you the needle up/ needle down on the foot control? Best luck.

. . . if it doesn't come with a mom or a help desk, I shy away from sewing machines with too many bells and whistles--translation, I envy anyone who can navigate past go! I "cut my teeth" on a beautiful antique treadle--the machine served our family for three generations. It is now on display in my sister's home out west.

. . . if it doesn't come with a mom or a help desk, I shy away from sewing machines with too many bells and whistles--translation, I envy anyone who can navigate past go! I "cut my teeth" on a beautiful antique treadle--the machine served our family for three generations. It is now on display in my sister's home out west.

I have the 430 and LOVE it! And I have barely touched any of the bells and whistles. Mine was a floor model used for embroidery demos mostly with very little sewing time on the machine, but I received a nice discount from the dealer. And didn't you know, the embroidery unit was half-price at the time, and even though it is still in the box, I am thrilled to have it to play with later.

Buy it immediately. As much sewing as you do and the service you provide to your readers through your blog, you deserve it. Now, don't wait! If you think you can't afford it, don't believe it. The money will come. I bought my $5,000 Pfaff when my husband wasn't getting paid for the work he was doing. The time was right and the money was never missed.

Have you ever tried an industrial? You could save youself bucket loads of cash (and time) if you bought yourself a second hand one. I only use my bottom of the range domestic machine for button holes or zig zag. Seriously, if you start sewing on an industrial you'll wonder how you ever did without one, they're so much faster.

It took me a year to get the money together for the 430, and it was really worth it. If you are a patient person it's worthwhile waiting till it's on sale somewhere. You can buy some of those extra feet for the money you saved ;)I like the machine for its reliability, its sturdiness and all the good things it has to offer. I might even get the BSR foot next year X-mas ;)I had my old Pfaff for 20 years, and I'm gonna keep it for sewing at other places than at home.

Gertie, Thanks for your interesting blog. My younger daughter has just started being a sewist, and used a Janome in class. I bought her the starter machine in that line, at the recommendation of my Bernina dealer. She seems to like it. While home for the holidays she got to use my Bernina Aurora 440 QE, and seemed to enjoy it.If she's going to stay with this interest I can buy her one with more bells and whistles later. Happy to learn of the new Bernina- in-waiting for you.! I originally bought the Bernina 1090 and have been told over and over never to trade or sell it. It was one of the first computer assisted Berninas and is a classic "workhorse". Also have a BabyLock Ellageo (mostly for embroidery; so it sits idle much of the time.), a BabyLock 8 thread serger (late husband gave it to me when I retired from my Psychology practice to care for him), and the Babylock Embellisher for felting and other art quilt activities.My Sis says that my "Sewing Stable" is full enough and I'd better get sewing and quilting. The Aurora 440 was selected because of the Bernina Stitch Regulator, great for free-motion quilting and embroidery as well as for fiber art projects. Bernina feet are terribly expensive, but one can use generic feet with a Bernina adaptor. Good luck; keep writing and blogging!

Oh, the Bernina's are really quite nice - my aunt has had one for years and loves it.

I upgraded from an Elna Elnita 245 last autumn to a Janome Memorycraft 9500, and I'm really happy with it. I checked out the Bernina machines, but they were just too spendy for us. I recently found out that in addition to their own brand, Janome also makes the lowest three models of Bernina machines, as well as all of the Kenmore machines out there. And, the same company now owns Elna.

I actually got mine from a dealer on LI off of their website, but I imagine you could probably visit their storefront if you wanted to check it out - in case the Bernina is just slightly out of reach. They are a Janome dealer. http://www.mrvacmrssew.com/Shop/categories/Janome/Sewing-Machines/index.html

Lovely!Late last year I splashed out on a Bernina Activa 230 PE. The shop sold all types, but was strongly behind Bernina. I felt ill for a few days, not having planned to spend so much, but now I'm fine! It does sew beautifully, and is easy to use. I've kept my first machine (a 25 yo Elna Contessa) as it's a workhorse. I've also got my Mum's first machine - a 50yo Singer, that has better tension than the Elna!).

I have the 440 QE and I frickin' LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!I've had it since last March and every time I use it I have a little lovefest. I had previously sewn on some awesome but old hand-me-downs. The 440 is the first machine I've ever chosen myself.

I just inherited my grandmother's 1020 and it is WONDERFUL. You are very correct when you say how intuitive it is, because I had the basics figured out in 30 minutes. Good luck with the budgeting, it will be so worth it!